I will not bow before tax collectors – Gov Wike

The Rivers State Governor  Nyesom Wike has lashed out at his own party,  describing members of the PDP’s National Working Committee, NWC as tax collectors.
Obviously disturbed by allegations that he may be working against his party’s interest, Wike said he would not be intimated by anyone for saying issues of conflict afflicting the party in Edo State should be carefully resolved.
The entry of Governor Godwin Obeseki into the PDP has altered the existing political calculation within the opposition party.
Until Obaseki’s declaration for the PDP, three candidates had bought forms to contest the gubernatorial primaries.
An aspirant in the race, Omoregie Ogbeide had rushed to Port Harcourt to institute a suit against the PDP and Governor Obaseki.
Wike who believes that his own party is behind moves to blackmail him noted that no one within the party has the capacity to intimidate the Rivers State.
“I told them that in Edo State, we must handle the issue carefully and carry everybody along. They must respect human beings and not behave like tax collectors.
“They said because an order was obtained from a  Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, then I am responsible”, the Governor fumed.
Seemingly hurt by the allegations against him, Wike said he was pulling out of the reconciliation efforts that he has been committed to.
“I have had sleepless nights to resolve the issue in Edo state. The Governors of Edo, Adamawa, and Delta states, know what I have done to resolve the issues in Edo state.
“As a result of this senseless accusation, I have pulled out of Edo State settlement. My integrity matters. I have also directed my lawyer to write ThisDay Newspaper on the publication they made against me in their Tuesday,23rd June, 2020 edition.”
The Rivers governor further remarked,
“I know the members of the National Working Committee of PDP who connived with ThisDay. They are tax collectors. Let them challenge me and I will come out with more facts.”
“Nobody will rubbish me by raising false accusations against me. I will fight back”, Governor Wike added.
The PDP had petitioned the trial judge in Port Harcourt, accusing him of attempting to disrupt its internal democratic processes.
The judge has since said he did not exclude Governor Obaseki who appears to have emerged as the beautiful bride from the race.
But there are indications that the matter before the court would be handled expeditiously.
Meanwhile, INEC says it is watching developments in Edo, stressing that the party has up to Saturday to resolve its differences.

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